The Teaching Excellence Awards scheme recognises, and rewards excellence made by individual staff in teaching, supervision, the organisation and development of teaching, and support for teaching and learning, within a research-intensive environment. The three recipients from NDORMS were officially presented at a ceremony at Pembroke College on Wednesday 22nd October.
Dani Prieto-Alhambra, Professor of Pharmaco- and Device Epidemiology, has been given an Excellent Supervisor Award in the Medical Sciences Teaching Excellence Awards.
Dani said: ‘Simply being nominated for this award is already an honour. This award makes you realise the impact we have training the next generation of talented researchers. They will continue our vision to leverage health data to improve human health. I am extremely grateful and excited to collect this award in front of my students, former students and colleagues.’
He was nominated by Leena Elhussein who recently completed her DPhil in Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Statistics in Dani’s research team. Leena said: ‘All the students were excited to nominate Dani. Dani promotes his students’ work and encourages their career growth. He has an open-door policy and is an advocate for mental health and wellbeing. His unwavering kindness and support make him one of the best mentors I and many others have ever had.’
Dr Ali Cenk Aksu, Postdoctoral Research Associate who provides teaching, learning and mentorship across several initiatives, including the Botnar DPhil and MSc by Research programme, and the DPhil in Cancer Science, received a Learning Support Award. He was nominated by students in recognition of his contributions to their research and academic development.
He said: ‘It is a real honour to receive this award. Knowing that my efforts have contributed to our students’ growth and success is deeply rewarding. Supporting and empowering the next generation of researchers as they navigate their academic journeys is one of the most meaningful parts of my work, and this recognition inspires me to continue striving for excellence in teaching and mentorship.’
Dr Francine Toye, Qualitative Research Lead for the Physiotherapy Research Unit, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust was awarded an Excellent Teacher award. Francine teaches on the Taught MSc for Musculoskeletal Sciences at NDORMS, where she also supervises students, and has undertaken assessments and thesis examination.
Francine said: ‘I could not be more delighted as I love teaching, and we have fantastic students across MSD. It’s great honour for me. Thank you Afsie for your incredible support over the last few years.’